English and World Literature Major Danielle Chin Receives ALMA Honorable Mention for “One-Third”

“One Third” is a nonfiction piece that Danielle conceived during a creative writing class in her junior year. The story is based on her unique relationship with her maternal grandfather, who she affectionately called “Gung Gung.” Communication with her Cantonese speaking grandfather was limited since Danielle wasn’t fluent in the Chinese dialect. “One Third” documents the struggle of how Danielle defines herself to her grandfather.

As the author puts it, “If he only knows a third of me, then can he love me for it?”

Danielle’s interest in the ALMA competition was inspired by her Marymount Manhattan professors. “I entered the ALMA contest after Dr. Sledge and Dr. Brown publicized it through emails and Facebook,” says the Honorable Mention winner. She continues, “Dr. Jerry Williams, my creative writing professor and mentor, really encouraged me to submit my short story to this contest and other literary publications. His guidance has been invaluable and he is my greatest motivation to write, revise and circulate my creative writing pieces.”

Danielle is humbled to receive this honor among so many talented writers who have submitted their pieces. She adds, “This experience has given me much courage to continue telling my stories.”

Hear Danielle read an excerpt from “One Third:”

BACKGROUND
AMERICAN LITERARY MERIT AWARD was established to recognize and celebrate talented short story writers and the stories they create. ALMA provides an online venue for readers to discover and support up-and-coming authors of one of the greatest genres of American fiction.

Published: March 15, 2013